What drugs increase lithium toxicity?
Drugs that alter renal function can increase the risk for chronic lithium toxicity (2, 17, 18). Among these, ACE inhibitors, NSAID, and thiazide diuretics increase the reabsorption of lithium and result in increased serum lithium concentrations (Table 4).
What blood pressure medicine can you take with lithium?
Taking lithium along with some medications for high blood pressure might cause too much lithium to be in the body. Some medications for high blood pressure include captopril (Capoten), enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), ramipril (Altace), and others.
What medication interacts with lithium?
The most commonly prescribed drugs that have the potential to interact with lithium are ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor antagonists (sartans), diuretics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
How do you flush lithium out of your system?
Depending on the amount you took and how soon the ingestion of lithium is discovered, treatment may include activated charcoal if you took other substances as well, kidney dialysis in severe cases, or whole bowel irrigation, in which a polyethylene glycol solution is used to flush large amounts or extended-release …
What can I take for a headache while on lithium?
If you do need a pain reliever while taking lithium, acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a safe alternative. Sulindac (Clinoril®), a prescription pain reliever, can also be used as an alternative. Also, too much caffeine can decrease the effectiveness of lithium and possibly increase your symptoms.
What does being on lithium feel like?
The most common side effects of lithium are feeling or being sick, diarrhoea, a dry mouth and a metallic taste in the mouth. Your doctor will carry out regular blood tests to check how much lithium is in your blood.
Does lithium make you emotionless?
Lithium only works in approximately one-third of patients. But even if the drug does work, it comes with a raft of side effects, including nausea, muscle tremors, emotional numbing, weight gain, and birth defects.
What foods should you avoid when taking lithium carbonate?
When taking lithium carbonate, avoid eating foods known to interact with this drug. These include foods or beverages containing caffeine and salt. Follow your doctor’s dietary guidelines. You should also avoid taking other drugs that can cause dangerous interactions with lithium carbonate.
Are there any over the counter medications that are bad for lithium?
Avoid over the counter and prescription pain medications that contain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®, Naprosyn®) because these medications can increase the risk of toxicity from lithium.
What are the medications that can decrease lithium levels?
The following medications may decrease the levels and effect of lithium: 1 Caffeine 2 Sodium chloride (table salt) 3 A medication used to treat breathing problems called theophylline (Theo–Dur®, Slo–Bid®)
What should you do if you are taking lithium?
Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking lithium. They may decrease the benefits (e.g., worsen your condition) and increase adverse effects (e.g., sedation) of the medication. Avoid low sodium diets and dehydration because this can increase the risk of lithium toxicity.